Now that you’ve made the decision to build your dream home, it’s time to decide what features are important to you and your family. What special details would you include in your design? Your vision is unique, and it’s something you probably won’t find listed on the market. To truly see your dream home become a reality, nothing compares to building a custom home.

We’ve put together some ideas that you may want to consider when you start the design phase of your new home. By taking advantage of our design-build process, our design experts will help guide you, ensuring that your vision for your new home comes to life.

Windows with a view of the lake

Living lakeside, large windows are a must for taking advantage of those stunning lake views. One of the benefits of buying a waterfront property is the gorgeous year-round views that you’ll be able to enjoy. An open concept layout with walls of windows means the interior gets treated to lake views and ample light from every corner. However, without enough windows or if they’re too small, you won’t be able to enjoy the view. When you build your dream home, consider lining the side of your home facing the water with large windows so you can truly take advantage of your scenic view.

 

 

A lakeside deck in your backyard

There’s nothing quite like sitting outside with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, enjoying the rising or setting sun, especially if it’s over a lake. A well-planned waterfront backyard might have a paver pathway leading to a boat dock and a serene seating area with charming Adirondack chairs. Consider a stone fire pit placed lakeside with a flagstone patio as an extension of the deck. You may even want an outdoor covered dining area, complete with LED “candle” lanterns perfect for summer evening entertainment.

A private dock

One of the reasons for buying waterfront property is having boat access to the water whenever you want. You’ll want to build the appropriate dock to accommodate your boat right outside your home, having convenient access all summer long. Another benefit of having a private dock right outside your home is you’ll be able to relax on the pier and even fish provided it’s built out far enough. Depending on your land and community, you can install a small dock for a small boat or a larger dock that will fit a bigger boat plus other water equipment like life vests and fishing poles.

Hanging beds

If you enjoy hammocking, you’ll absolutely love lounging in a comfortable hanging bed. A hanging bed is a great accessory to any lake house’s screened-in porch and will provide you with a comfortable spot to relax, nap, read, or simply enjoy the view. When you build your dream home, think about all the ways the design will benefit you and your family, including those times when you just want to be lazy on a warm summer afternoon.

A screened-in porch overlooking the lake

Picture a big wrap-around porch to make it easy to live outdoors with the comfort of plush wicker sofas and armchairs surrounded by expansive lake views. Adding a screened-in element to your porch will help keep the mosquitoes away during the day and light-loving bugs away during the evening hours.

A mudroom is a must on the lake

Mudrooms continue to be a popular feature in homes, especially in lake homes and should be a definite consideration when you build your dream home. This secondary entrance is perfect to drop dirty shoes and clothing before entering the home after a day out on the lake. You can design a mudroom that’s adjacent to your private lake entrance that’s both a functional and stylish addition to your home. Learn more in our article Mudrooms: What to Consider for Your Custom-Built House.

A convenient outdoor shower

One of the benefits of living on Lake Keowee is that you can go swimming anytime you want. Many waterfront property homeowners take full advantage of the nearby water to go swimming every morning or take the family out for some lake fun on the weekend. If this is something that you envision doing after you build your dream home, you may want to add an outdoor shower that can be used to rinse off after you get out of the lake. This ensures that you enter your home without tracking in lake water, mud, or other undesirable items. Conveniently placed just outside of your mudroom, you’ll be sure to keep unwanted messes at bay.

Outdoor lighting

If sitting on your deck or on your pier to enjoy the water at night is something you envision when you build your dream home, consider installing outdoor lighting. Installing LED lights can be used to highlight some of your favorite features such as the exterior of your home, on your deck, and along the pier. You can even place lights near the foot of your favorite trees to create a relaxing ambiance for nighttime enjoyment.

Home automation

Most new luxury homes are designed with home automation and there’s no reason not to integrate it into your waterfront property, too. The levels of automation available can range in cost, time to install, and ease of use. That’s why, if you’re interested in home automation, you’ll want to start thinking about your plans in the design phase. Home automation allows ease of control of your home’s systems, including lights, your HVAC system, door locks, and even your entertainment systems from a single remote source, such as your smartphone. We’ve got a whole article dedicated to this subject: 9 of Today’s Coolest Home Automation Products.